Our government was intended to have limited authority, leaving the states to make decisions regarding most matters according to the needs of their population. The only way change can happen is for voters to make the decisions by ballot. What ideas do you have that could improve "business as usual?"
It would never do for me to be President because I would strip government right down to bare bones. Here are some starter ideas:
Term limits are not a bad idea - years of "familiarity" breeds contempt. New blood flowing in the halls of Congress might work out well.
Voters (employers) should set Congressional salaries - via special state ballots if necessary. Congress, as employees, should not be allowed to vote themselves raises (wouldn't WE like to set our own salaries!). If they don't perform the way constituents want them to ... no appreciable raises. Conversely, good performance on sound judgment does merit a raise.
No more pork barrel projects slipped into bills that don't even apply to whatever the project is; also would eliminate some of the wheeling and dealing that goes on to get a supporting vote on a particular bill. These projects should be a separate request from the governor of a state (upon voter approval) that would go to that state's US Senators and brought up on the floor for approval in a separate bill; it should also benefit the people of the state generally. (In other words, John Murtha would not be allowed to build himself an airport that generally benefits no one except himself.)
I have more thoughts on voters running Congress rather than Congress running the voters. What other ideas do you all have?
Complete and full transperency__ Greta gave a web site for someone who is watching what our congress people are spending on dinner. One went to Guan and spent $6,000 hosting a dinner. I am sorry I did not write down the website, but it lists all members of our congress and what they are spending our money on.
I think before they vote on any peice of legislation that will effect them or the entire country, they should submit to their constituents the pros and cons and ask their constituents how they should vote. The majority rules. This could be done from your P.C.
I also think that people should take a basic litmas test before they vote. For instance-
1. Do you believe in big government? You do know that the bigger the government the more taxes you will pay to support it.
I think that sooooooooo many people are so uneducated about the government and how it works that they cancel out educated votes. There are millions out there that don't know the 3 different branches of government and how they work with each other. Many can not even name the current Vice President of the U.S, yet these people vote.
Candidates should have to submit their positions on everything from taxes, foriegn policy, the economy on one simple flyer for all to read. Then let the EDUCATED voter vote for whom they choose best fits the voter's positions.
If the candidate gets in office and does not do or not vote the way the majority of his or her constituents vote, then fire them immediately. That should be allowed. When I don't do what my boss wants me to, I don't have a job. They work for us, not us for them.
" When the people fear their government there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty." Thomas Jefferson
We need to have the government fear us again.